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Electrical system
9 . 3
bulb lights, voltage is reaching that point,
which means the part of the circuit between
that connector and the battery is problem-
free. Continue checking the remainder of the
circuit in the same manner. When you reach a
point where no voltage is present, the
problem lies between there and the last good
test point. Most of the time the problem is due
to a loose connection. Keep in mind that
some circuits only receive voltage when the
ignition is ON.
7 An earth check should be done to see if a
component is earthed properly. Disconnect
the battery and connect one lead of a self-
powered test light (continuity tester) to a
known good earth (see illustrations).
Connect the other lead to the wire or earth
connection being tested. If the bulb lights, the
earth is good. If the bulb does not light, the
earth is not good.
8 A continuity check is performed to see if a
circuit, section of circuit or individual
component is capable of passing electricity
through it. Disconnect the battery and
connect one lead of a self-powered test light
(continuity tester) to one end of the circuit
being tested and the other lead to the other
end of the circuit. If the bulb lights, there is
continuity, which means the circuit is passing
electricity through it properly. Switches can
be checked in the same way.
Battery
-
-..-....-I
member t
w i t s art
.
. .
hat all electrical
designed to
battery, through the wires,
switches, relays, etc. to the electrical
component (light bulb, motor, etc.).
From there it i s directed to the frame
(earth) where it i s passed back to the
battery.
Electrical
problems
are
basically an interruption i n the flow o f
electriciiy from the battery or back to it.
3
IGI I
luval,
installati01
and checks
Warning: Be extremely careful
when handling or working around
the
battery.
Do
not
allow
electrolyte to come i n contact with your
skin or painted or plastic surfaces of the
scooter. Rinse off any spills immediately
with plenty of water. Check with the local
authorities about disposing of an old
battery. Many communities will have
collection centres which will see that
batteries are disposed of safely.
Removal and installation
1 On all models the battery holder is located
on the frame in front of the engine unit.
Remove the battery access panel (see
Chapter 7).
2 Undo the negative (-ve) terminal screw first
2.7a Continuity can be checked with a
battery powered tester..
.
and disconnect the lead from the battery, then
unscrew the positive (+ve) terminal screw and
disconnect the lead.
3 Undo the screw securing the battery strap
or displace the strap and lift the battery from
its holder (see illustrations).
4 Before installation, clean the battery
terminals, terminal screws, nuts and lead
ends with a wire brush, knife or steel wool to
ensure a good electrical connection.
5 Install the battery, then reconnect the leads,
connecting the positive (+ve) lead first, and
secure the battery strap.
kept to a minlmum b y
jelly to the terminals after
the cables have been connected.
6 Fit the battery access panel.
Inspection and maintenance
-
conventional battery
7 The battery fitted to most models is of the
conventional lead/acid type, requiring regular
checks of the electrolyte level (see Chapter 1)
in addition to those detailed below.
8 Check the battery terminals and leads for
tightness and corrosion. If corrosion is
evident, undo the terminal screws and
disconnect the leads from the battery,
disconnecting the negative (-ve) terminal first.
Wash the terminals and lead ends in a
solution of baking soda and hot water and dry
them thoroughly. If necessary, further clean
3.3a Battery strap is retained by a screw
(arrowed)
. . .
2.7b
. . .
or a battery and bulb circuit
the terminals and lead ends with a wire brush.
knife or steel wool. Reconnect the leads,
connecting the negative (-ve) terminal last,
and apply a thin coat of petroleum jelly to the
connections to slow further corrosion.
9 The battery case should be kept clean to
prevent current leakage, which can discharge
the battery over a period of time (especially
when it sits unused). Wash the outside of the
case with a solution of baking soda and water.
Rinse the battery thoroughly, then dry it.
10 Look for cracks in the case and renew the
battery if any are found. If acid has been
spilled on the battery holder or surrounding
bodywork, neutralise it with a baking soda
and water solution, dry it thoroughly, then
touch up any damaged paint.
11 If the machine is not used for long periods
of time, disconnect the leads from the battery
terminals, negative (-ve) terminal first. Refer to
Section 4 and charge the battery once every
month to six weeks.
12 The condition of the battery can be
assessed by measuring the voltage present at
the battery terminals with a multimeter.
Connect the meter positive (+ve) probe to the
battery positive (+ve) terminal, and the
negative (-ve) probe to the battery negative (-
ve) terminal. Compare the reading with the
specifications given at the beginning of this
Chapter. If the voltage falls below 12 volts the
battery must be removed, disconnecting the
negative (-ve) terminal first, and recharged as
described below in Section 4. Note: Before
taking the measurement, wait at least 30
minutes after any charging has taken place
(including running the engine).
3.3b
. . .
or in a slot in the holder
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